Movement Says Supporting Tinubu Is a Political Choice, Urges Benue Government to Embrace Dialogue
By Orji Faith
The Benue People’s Democratic Party, PDP, New Generation Movement has condemned what it described as an alleged plan by the Benue State Government to mobilise a protest against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, over his involvement in the Rainbow Coalition and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on September 23, 2026, the group described the alleged move as divisive and inconsistent with the principles of political tolerance, urging the state government to shelve any such plan.
The group argued that Wike’s decision to support President Tinubu was a political choice protected by Nigeria’s constitutional framework.
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It cited Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which provide for freedom of expression and the right to assemble and associate with others. The National Human Rights Commission has similarly cited Section 39(1) as protecting freedom of expression, while Nigerian case law has recognised the right to peaceful assembly and association under Section 40.
Wike has publicly said that his Rainbow Coalition is a cross-party platform focused on mobilising support for President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election, while insisting that it is not an APC structure. He has also maintained that the PDP remains free to field candidates for governorship and legislative elections.
The Benue PDP group questioned why Wike should be targeted for supporting the President.
“Is Wike’s offence that he is loyal to the President? That he is working for the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda?” the group asked.
It also raised a series of political questions concerning alleged disagreements within Benue’s political establishment, including the reported disagreement involving Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
The group further questioned whether Wike was responsible for other political and institutional disagreements it attributed to the state.
It urged the Benue State Government to concentrate on governance, security, development and engagement with the Federal Government rather than political confrontation.
The movement also appealed to the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Services to ensure that state security institutions are not used for partisan political activities.
It called on the Tor Tiv, the Och’Idoma and other traditional and co
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The group declared its support for Wike and urged him not to be distracted by the controversy.
“Benue needs cooperation, peace and development, not political confrontation,” the statement said.
